Tier: GLB - Global Doc Type: Operation

Manual
Element or Subelement: Operations
Doc Number: OPS-GLB-En-108199
Rev: C
Effective Date: 4 Nov 2022

Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and

Recommendations
Primary Cementing Equipment
Table of Contents
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Scope......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Responsibility and Authority ............................................................................................................................... 2
Governance Documents ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Terms and Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 2
References ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Float Equipment Installation Guideline ............................................................................................................. 2
Pre-Installation Inspection ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Installation – Position Float on Casing String ............................................................................................................. 6
Preservation of Product ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Storage Recommendations............................................................................................................................................ 6
Float Equipment Drill out Recommendations .................................................................................................. 7
Drilling Out Shoe Track – Common ............................................................................................................................... 7
Pre-Planning Phase ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Drilling Phase ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Drilling Out Operation with a Roller-Cone ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Drilling Out Operation with a Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Bit .....................................................................8
Rotary BHA ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Drilling Out Operation with a Downhole Motor and Bent Sub ..................................................................................8
Drilling Out Operation with a Measurement While Drilling Tool .............................................................................. 9

Purpose
This operations procedure and recommendations establish the minimum global guidelines for
effective execution of casing running and cementing with Baker Hughes Float Equipment.
Procedures and recommendations can be used by contractors or any responsible party outside
of Baker Hughes.

Revision History
Rev. RDR Amendment Detail Reviewer Approver Effective Date
Current Revision
C 7610/SF Updates throughout document. Krueger, Matt J Yakeley, Sean 4 Nov 2022
Three Previous Revisions
B 6709/SF Updates throughout document. Krueger, Matt Yakeley, Sean 15 Jul 2021
A -- Initial Release Krueger, Matt Yakeley, Sean 20 Aug 2020

https://dms.bakerhughes.com/sites/operations/workArea/108199/OPS-GLB-En-108199.dotm _BKR Rev.

Copyright 2020-2022 Baker Hughes Company. (Unpublished Work) All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is confidential and proprietary
property of Baker Hughes and its affiliates. It is to be used only for the benefit of Baker Hughes and may not be distributed, transmitted, reproduced, altered, or used for
any other purpose without the express written consent of Baker Hughes.
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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations

Scope
This document focuses on employee safety, environmentally sound practices, and/or
troubleshooting. This procedure does not serve as a substitute for critical thought and the
experience of the Baker Hughes representative. It is not intended to be an overriding document,
meaning that all local, customer, governmental, or occupational policies or procedures that are
more stringent must be followed.

Responsibility and Authority

• This procedure is intended for use by contractors, or any responsible party involved in well
constructions.
• Float Equipment handling and installation on rigsite is the responsibility of drilling contractor
or party involved in casing running operations.
• Float Equipment Drilling Out parameters are initially suggested by Drilling Engineer
calculations and bit specifications and have to be controlled in real-time by Directional
Drillers and Field Engineers.
The following procedures assume Pre-Job Procedures and the risk
Note assessments have been completed. Do not undertake the
following operations procedures until they are completed.

Governance Documents
• Quality Manual
• Control of Records

Terms and Definitions

BHOS Glossary

References
Drill Bits Operations Manual

Float Equipment Installation Guideline

Pre-Installation Inspection
1. Obtain the piece of equipment to be inspected. Note the markings on the outside of
packing material to ensure the correct size, weight, and threads have been obtained.
2. Remove packing materials. Save any written instructions that may be stored inside the
box end of the float equipment.
3. Verify the markings on the float equipment, checking the size, weight, thread, and type
markings.
4. For cement-filled float equipment: Inspect the float equipment for damage to the
observable components and cement surfaces of the piece (chips, flaking, cracks).
For non-cement filled float equipment: Inspect the float equipment for damage to the
observable components.
5. Check floats equipment shell/casing for stamped material traceability numbers
(purchase order number and serial number) and record these numbers.
6. Remove any thread protectors.
7. Inspect threads for damage and unusual markings.
8. Lay the float equipment on its side. Obtain a pole of a non-scratching material (wood or
hard plastic) with a diameter between 1/2 in. (12 mm) and 1-1/4 in. (32 mm) and length of
12 in. (300 mm).

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
9. For Single Valve: Insert the pole in the box end of the float equipment and push it into the
orifice below the valve, making contact with the poppet. Push the poppet in until it
bottoms out and release, observing the poppet moving back and forth. Repeat this
process 3-5 times. Verify that the poppet returns to the seated position upon releasing
compression on the poppet.

If the valve is set in Autofill mode, do not push on the poppet as it

will trip the valve and convert the valve to standard float valve
Note
orientation. For Autofill mode, perform the “Water hose method” to
ensure water can flow through.

10. For Double Valve:

For Top Valve: To check the top valve: Insert the pole in the box end of the float equipment
and push it into the orifice below the valve, making contact with the poppet. Push the
poppet in until it bottoms out and release, observing the bottom shaft of the poppet
moving back and forth. Repeat this process 3-5 times. Verify that the poppet returns to
the seated position upon releasing compression on the poppet.

If the valve is set in Autofill mode, do not push on the poppet as it

will trip the valve and convert the valve to standard float valve. For
Note
Autofill mode, perform the “Water hose method” to ensure water
can flow through.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
For Bottom Valve with drill-tap arrangement: To check the bottom valve there may be a
small arrangement which includes a drill-tap of M6 size (or similar) on the lower face of the
poppet stem. Using a pole with the compatible thread on the end, screw into the drill-tap.
Pull the poppet down until it bottoms out and release, observing the poppet moving back
and forth. Repeat this process 3-5 times. Verify that the poppet returns to the seated
position upon releasing tension on the poppet. If a drill-tap arrangement does not exist, do
not create one without approval from local engineering support, as drilling/tapping the
poppet stem could affect the performance characteristic/ratings of the tool.

If the valve is set in Autofill mode, do not pull on the poppet as it

will trip the valve and convert the valve to standard float valve. For
Note
Autofill mode, perform the “Water hose method” to ensure water
can flow through.

For Bottom Valve without drill-tap arrangement: Because the bottom valve cannot be
pushed from above (obstructed by top valve) or pulled from below (no drill-tap
arrangement to thread a pole and pull on), it is necessary to verify that fluid can flow
through the tool by performing a flow test. The flow test can be performed in three
different ways: (1) the “Water hose method”, (2) the “Air hose method”, or (3) the “Test cap
method”. The “Water hose method” and “Air hose method” are faster and don’t require a
thread-specific test cap with associated fittings and are therefore the preferred options.
First attempt using the “Water hose method”. If the “Water hose method” fails to provide a
clear indication that fluid can flow through the float equipment, then try the “Air hose
method”. If the “Air hose method” fails to provide a clear indication that fluid can flow
through the float equipment, the “Test cap method” must be used. If it is not possible to
flow through the float equipment using the “Test cap method”, the float equipment must
be quarantined and evaluated for scrap or repair.

Water hose method: With the top valve open, place a water hose into the top valve so it
fills into the bottom valve and the cavity between the top and bottom valves. Cover the
top (box side) of the float equipment with rags and/or thread protector to build a small
amount of pressure so water is directed to flow through the tool. Water will be seen
existing out the bottom of the float equipment, confirming that fluid can flow past both
valves. If water is not seen exiting out the bottom of the float equipment but is instead
flowing out at the top, perform the “Air hose method ” instead.

Air hose method: With the top valve open, place a water hose into the top valve so it fills
into the bottom valve and the cavity between the top and bottom valves. Cover the top
(box side) of the float equipment with rags and/or thread protector. Use an air hose so
water is directed to flow through the tool. Water will be seen existing out the bottom of the
float equipment, confirming that fluid can flow past both valves. If water is not seen
exiting out the bottom of the float equipment, perform the “Test Cap Method” instead.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations

Figure 1: Air hose method.

Test cap method: During this method, if for some reason the top and bottom valve do not
open while pumping, pressure will build up inside the tool. Therefore, this test must be
performed in a contained test cell (“test bunker”). First thread a test cap into the top
connection (box side) of the float equipment, then connect the pressure line to the test
cap. Pump through the tool to verify that there is no restriction and record the pressure
required to open the valves. For the float equipment to pass a standard “rig floor flow-
through test” the pressure to open the valves must be less than 20 psi. If the pressure to
open the valves is higher than 20 psi, review with the local service delivery team if the float
equipment is appropriate for the planned operation and will be able to pass any planned
“rig floor flow-through test” at the rig site. If the pressure is higher than 300 psi, the float
equipment cannot be used and must be quarantined and evaluated for scrap or repair.

Figure 2: Test cap method.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
A float shoe is typically checked when run in hole with a completion string. At this point 1 or
2 casing joints have been installed. A standard casing joint is typically around 40 feet
long. One 40-foot casing joint with 12 ppg mud in the casing equals a hydrostatic
pressure of 25 psi. 20 psi is 80% of 25 psi, thus using 20 psi acceptance criteria leaves a
20% safety factor. This will ensure the mud inside one casing joint will be sufficient to open
the float valve during the “rig floor flow-through test” prior to starting to run in hole with
the casing.

If the valve is set in Autofill mode, do not exceed the conversion

Note flow rate as it will trip the valve and convert the valve to standard
float valve.

11. If no deficiencies are identified during field inspection proceed by following the
instructions on proper installation of the float equipment on the casing string.
In the event that a deficiency is identified during the field inspection, do not position the
deficient piece on the casing string. Contact local engineering support for assistance.
Installation – Install Float Equipment onto the Casing String
1. Ensure that field inspection of float equipment has been completed.
2. Remove thread protectors from the casing threads.
3. Obtain thread lock and mix according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Apply thread lock to the casing pin thread and install float shoe by aligning the float
shoe’s box end and starting the thread by hand. Ensure the alignment is correct before
starting the thread to prevent cross-threading. Thread lock should only be applied to the
pin end of casing and float collar.
5. Thread box end of float shoe on to pin end of first casing joint.
6. Thread float shoe as far as possible onto the casing pin by hand.
7. Make up thread per torque specifications.
8. Install float collar at desired location in casing string. The float collar serves as a back-up
valve(s) should the float shoe valve(s) fail.
9. Apply thread lock to the pin thread of float collar and install float collar by aligning the
float collar pin end with the casing box end and starting the thread by hand. Ensure the
alignment is correct to prevent cross-threading. Thread lock should only be applied to
the pin end of casing and float collar.
10. Thread the float collar as far as possible onto the casing box end by hand.
11. Apply thread lock to the pin thread of the next length of casing in string.
12. Stab casing pin in to box end of float collar.
13. Make up thread per torque specifications.

Preservation of Product
Storage Recommendations
Baker Hughes Float Equipment shall at all times be stored in an environment that prevents
exposure to wind, water, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, it shall be stored in a clean
environment to prevent contamination by elements that might affect proper functioning (e.g.,
sand, loose soil, salt water).
1. Items must be protected from direct sunlight, UV light sources, and areas where ozone is
produced.
2. Items should be stored in unstressed conditions. Avoid squeezing by stack weight or other
confinement to smaller storage space.
3. Atmospheric storage temperature should be 41–77ºF (5-25ºC) with relative humidity of
70-75%.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
4. Warehouse stock sequence must be altered by always using the earliest discard date to
fill orders and shall be reviewed once per calendar year; items that exceed the shelf life
shall be discarded immediately.
5. Prevent items from coming in contact with contaminants (e.g., oils, solvents, etc.).
6. Handle the items with caution, avoiding, for example, any sudden drops that could cause
damage to the components
7. Items shall be stored in sealed packages. Once a box is opened the article must either be
used for its intended purpose or re-sealed inside of its original box.
8. If marking is illegible, then the article should be referred to the appropriate engineering
department for determination of its identity and usability.
9. Float equipment has shelf life of five years

Float Equipment Drill out Recommendations

Drilling Out Shoe Track – Common
Pre-Planning Phase
1. Verify that the equipment material is drillable. Check the technical specifications for
material composition (if they are rotationally locked or unlocked and/or recommended
drillout procedures).
2. Check bottom hole assembly (BHA) design to be used.
3. Ask the customer for the float equipment diagram of the well to be drilled. This diagram
should include the installed depth of all float equipment components.
4. Check previous experiences in offset wells. If there were previous drillout incidents,
conduct root cause analysis by obtaining time-based data and the float equipment
diagram. Check for hookload and block height position, weight on bit (WOB) and torque
readings, proper calibration of sensors and drilling practices (circulation, tagging
bottom).
Drilling Phase
1. Run the bit carefully into hole, slowing down when approaching the top of the shoe track.
The shoetrack starts at the float collar.
Whichever bit type that is used, avoid running high WOB until the
stabilizers are out of the casing and in fresh hole.
• The stabilizers efficiency is reduced by the increased radial
Note clearance inside casing and in the larger diameter rathole
if that is not fully cemented.
• The reduced stabilization can allow the bit and drillstring to
vibrate in a way that is severely damaging to the bit
and/or downhole tools.

Drilling Out Operation with a Roller-Cone

1. Complete steps in the Drilling Out Shoe Track – Common procedure before proceeding to
the next step.
Normally, a short steel tooth roller-cone bit should be used to
drillout conventional float equipment when using a roller-cone bit,
Note however, be aware of the materials that have to be drilled out and
the properties of the subsequent formation beneath the float
shoe in order to select the best suited bit type.

2. Rotate the bit at 40–60 RPM.

3. Start the pumps and initiate mud flow rate.
The mud flow rate should be 35-50 gpm (130-190 lpm) per inch of
Note
bit diameter.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
4. Apply weight on bit. Use 2,000 lb. (9 kN) per inch of bit diameter

Note An insert bit may need slightly more weight.

5. Raise the string several feet off the bottom frequently while circulating and rotating to
clear debris from bit.
6. Monitor returns at the shakers.
7. Stop drillout procedure when the full length of the shoe track has been drilled out.
8. If not required to drill beyond the shoe track distance, the bit can be pulled out of the hole
(POOH).
9. If required to drill beyond the shoe track, proceed with caution as to what may be beyond
the shoe track (e.g., new formation or other equipment down hole).

Drilling Out Operation with a Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) Bit

Rotary BHA
1. Set RPM and flow rate while approaching any float equipment tool. This could be 30 feet
before the planned depth for each specific component.
45–65 RPM
• Determine whether there is cement above the float equipment tool. Tagging the
cement with high speed and without circulation could produce nozzle plugging.
2. Move the drillstring slowly to detect the top of the float equipment tool.
3. Tagging step: Tag the tool/start drilling out with 0.15 klb per inch of bit OD and start
increasing the WOB every minute by 0.15 klb per inch of bit OD until reaching 0.6 klb per
inch of bit OD.
• 45–65 RPM
• Repeat this tagging process every time the drillstring is picked up for any reason.
4. Drillout step: After completing the tagging process, increase RPM to 60–100 and flow rate
to 50–80 gal/min per inch of bit OD (example: 8.5-in. bit OD multiply 65 = 550 gal/min).
5. Pick up off-bottom regularly (every 10–15 minutes) to clean the cuttings.
• Reduce RPM to 45–65 to avoid lateral vibrations.
• Maintain flow rate.
• When going to bottom and to keep drilling out, repeat the previous two steps.
Be patient.
There could be a couple of points of low progress and spinning
issues, but the torque and progress should eventually recover. If
the drillout process is slow (more than 1 hour), increase the WOB
Note to 1.2 klb per inch of bit OD.
Do this process slowly following the tagging recommendation. If
no progress is made for another 30 minutes with these
parameters, POOH and check the bit. A roller-cone may be
required to drillout the float equipment.

If vibrations occur during this process, pick up off-bottom and

Note repeat the tagging and drillout steps. High WOB can produce off-
center rotation and damage the cutting structure.

Drilling Out Operation with a Downhole Motor and Bent Sub

1. Set RPM and flow rate while approaching any float equipment tool. This could be 30 feet
before the planned depth for each specific component.
• 20–40 surface RPM

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
• Use lowest flow rate to keep the motor RPM low.
• Determine whether there is cement above the float equipment tool. Tagging the
cement with high speed and without circulation could produce nozzle plugging.
2. Move the drillstring slowly to identify the top of the float equipment tool.
3. Tagging step: Tag the tool/start drilling out with 0.15 klb per inch of bit OD and start
increasing the WOB every minute by 0.15 klb per inch of bit OD until reaching 0.6 klb per
inch of bit OD.
• Keep previous RPM values.
• Repeat this tagging process every time the drillstring is picked up for any reason.
4. Drillout step: After completing the tagging process, do the following:
A. Keep surface RPM values.
B. Increase flow rate to 50–65 gal/min per inch of bit OD (example: 8.5-in. bit OD multiply
65 = 550 gal/min).
5. Pickup off-bottom regularly (every 10–15 minutes) to clean the cuttings.
• Keep flow rate.
• When going to bottom and to keep drilling out, repeat the previous two steps.

Be patient.
There could be a couple of points of low progress and spinning
issues, but the torque and progress should eventually recover. If
the drillout process is slow (more than 1 hour), increase the WOB
Note to 1.2 klb per inch of bit OD.
Do this process slowly, following the tagging recommendations. If
no progress is made after 30 minutes with these parameters,
POOH and check the bit. A roller cone maybe required to drillout
the float equipment.

If vibrations occur during this process, pick up off-bottom and

repeat the tagging and drillout steps.
Note
High WOB can produce off-center rotation and damage the
cutting structure.

6. Once the float and shoe have been drilled and the hole circulated clean, make a check
run with the string rotary off in order to confirm that the float equipment tools are full
gauge.
Drilling Out Operation with a Measurement While Drilling Tool
Check with the measurement while drilling (MWD) provider for
Note
more information and procedures.

• All tools with external sensors are particularly vulnerable to damage. The following
circumstances can increase the probability of damage to an MWD tool when drilling out the
shoe track:
− A long rathole below the casing shoe if the casing has been set high
− An over-gauge rathole (the rathole is often over-gauged in shale but is frequently in
gauge in limestone and sandstone, except where tectonic stresses are high)
− A poor cement job
− An un-stabilized bottomhole assembly (BHA)
− Excessive WOB or rotary speed
− Additional drag or overpull through the casing shoe.
• Whenever possible, do not use an MWD tool to drillout the float equipment, shoe, or rathole.
− Circulate the hole clean after drilling the shoe and rathole.

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Float Equipment – Operating Procedures and Recommendations
− Drill ahead sufficiently far to ensure that the MWD tool will be in new hole before picking it
up.
− Stabilize the MWD tool as much as possible, consistent with directional and other
constraints on the BHA composition.
− Be aware of the location of the MWD tool and its sensors relative to the shoe, rathole, and
new hole.
• If the shoe track has to be drilled with an MWD tool in the BHA, maintain low-WOB and rotary
speed until the tool is clear of both the shoe and the previously drilled hole.

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